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Rob Edwards has thrown down the gauntlet to his Middlesbrough players and is now expecting a response when his side head to Leicester City on Tuesday evening.
But how the Boro team will look will be a big source of intrigue, as the Boro boss continues to search for the answers to his side's problems, particularly in attack. There's been a lot of tinkering - both tactical and personnel - in recent weeks, with no real pay off as yet.
Predicting Boro's team at Leicester is further complicated by the fact that a number of unnamed players face late fitness tests after emerging from Watford with knocks. But here's how we expect Boro to line-up at the King Power on Tuesday evening.
GK - Sol Brynn - Was somewhat unfortunate to have conceded three goals on Saturday at Watford. There was little he could do with any of the goals, and didn't get much support from those in front of him.
DR - Callum Brittain - Of the recent performances, Boro have looked most balanced in defence and attack when operating with a 4-2-3-1. It feels like it suits the full-backs better, and therefore we're going with Brittain at right-back for this one.
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DC - Dael Fry - Of the players facing a race against time to be ready for Leicester, Fry is expected to be one after suffering an injury late on at Watford. Hopefully he's fine to play this one, though if not, Luke Ayling will come in with minimal fuss.
DC - Alfie Jones - Not at his usual standards on Saturday at Watford but will hopefully produce a solid response against a team of individual players who will no doubt test Boro's defensive strength.
DL - Matt Targett - The switch to a back four will most benefit Targett who, while not terribly bad at wing-back, clearly suits being a full-back better. His defensive solidity could be key in this one.
CM - Hayden Hackney - While not much came off for him at Watford, he continues to be the one Boro player always striving to make something happen. When fit, he's almost a guaranteed starter because of his quality.
CM - Alan Browne - Edwards could go with a 4-3-3 at Leicester to steel up his midfield, but we're going with 4-2-3-1 and that means one midfielder has to miss out. If you're basing that on recent form then Aidan Morris has to miss out.
RW - Morgan Whittaker - While he didn't manage to continue his form in a disappointing afternoon against Wrexham, Whittaker is likely to still be in a positive mood after his recent goals. He's the type of player who can produce a moment out of nothing, which can be crucial in games like this. His set-piece quality can help too.
AM - David Strelec - He had a mixed time as the player dropping into the hole in recent games - which is rather reflective of his Boro career to date. He's still settling, which is important to note, but Boro need more from their marquee summer signing.
LW - Sontje Hansen - Bright off the bench at Watford, this could be the ideal opportunity to give Hansen his latest opportunity to impress from the start. A maverick style attacker similar to Delano Burgzorg, it's fair to say the latter hasn't produced in his last couple of outings, so Hansen surely deserves the opportunity.
ST - Tommy Conway - Conway desperately needs a goal, with his barren run now stretching to nine games now. But don't let his lack of goals detract from the fact he's about the only attacking player right now contributing something in every game he plays.